Download the PhD Career Services LinkedIn Guide here.

LinkedIn is a useful tool for connecting with people you already know professionally, in addition to new people whose work or research is connected to your interests and experiences.  A few ways to utilize LinkedIn as a networking tool include:

• Joining groups, including the MSU Alumni Association, The Graduate School Alumni group, Spartan Links (a group on LinkedIn that connects MSU students to alumni working in their areas of interest), and groups related to your discipline, your interests, your undergraduate institution, and places you have worked or volunteered
• Following companies, organizations, and topic areas that you are professionally interested in
• Reaching out to MSU alumni and others in your networks and requesting informational interviews to learn more about where they work and what they do

An easy way to engage professionally through social media is to follow companies, organizations, etc. on Twitter or "like" them on Facebook. It is increasingly the case that job postings and professional development activities are posted on Twitter and Facebook and not sent out by email. By keeping up with organizations and companies you are interested in there is less of a chance you’ll miss opportunities. Following companies and organizations is also important when you land an interview because you will already be one step ahead in researching and engaging with the company.

You can also use Twitter and Facebook to build stronger networks at MSU. Some of the ways to do this include:

• Following PhD Career Services on Twitter and Facebook
• Following MSU Graduate School on Twitter and Facebook and your college
• Following COGS on Twitter and Facebook as well as other student organizations to keep up to date on events on campus and important developments within the MSU and graduate student community
• Following and liking institutes and offices on campus that are relevant to your research or professional interests
• Read the following articles for more information:
• "Twenty Twitter Resources For Job Hunters"
• "What Does Twitter Have To Offer Academics?"
• 10 Tips For People Who Hate Networking
• How To Find A Job Before It's Posted

Academia.edu is comparable to LinkedIn, but geared towards scholars. It allows you to connect with others, share papers and projects, post your CV, and join networks of scholars with similar interests.

Many “how-to” articles have been written on using social media effectively for networking and the job search. The following are particularly useful for graduate students:

• “Social Media 101: Grad Student Edition” by Kristen Wishon (PhD Career Guide)
• “Branding Yourself: Not as Painful as You Think” by Katy Meyers
• “Manage Your Digital Identity” by Katy Meyers

Informational interviews are not job interviews, but rather pre-arranged discussions with professionals within your desired field or organization. Conducting informational interviews not only provides you with information about potential career opportunities, it also builds your network. While the informational interview itself will not secure you a job, it may eventually lead to one, as you build your network and make yourself known to others within your desired career field. Informational interviewing is also a great way to practice your interviewing skills. (Adapted from UIUC Graduate College website)

A comprehensive guide to informational interviews for PhDs is Informational Interviews: A Beginner’s Guide (Branching Points).

Other Informational Interview Resources Include:

• MSU Career Services Network - Informational Interviews
• "What Informational Interviews Can Do For You" [Fast Company]
  
• How The Informational Interview Helps You Get The Job [Chronicle of Higher Ed]
  

MSU Career Fairs can be a good ways to meet potential employers and see what career options are out there beyond academia. MSU has career fairs focused on science, engineering, and technology careers, as well as teaching, non-profit and other career sectors. MSU also regularly participates in a multi-campus career virtual career for PhD and Master's students, which is usually held in February or March. Email gradcareers@msu.edu for more information.

Employer info sessions aren't just for undergraduates! Check Handshake for information on upcoming employer info sessions on campus and attend to make connections with employers at companies, organizations, and government agencies where you are interested in working.

Don’t just attend and present papers or posters at professional conferences: take the opportunity to become involved in the planning committee, or sit on the board of a professional organization’s student chapter. When attending conferences and meetings, make a point to meet at least one or two new people and keep in touch with them after the conference is over. This not only expands your network of contacts, but also gets you connected to people in your field who are outside of MSU and your research group.